The Death Penalty

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-This companion volume to Gail Stewart's The Death Penalty (Greenhaven, 1997) is a no-nonsense compilation of articles written since the hardcover volume was published. Not truly an update, it is grouped by topic (administration and implementation, the question of innocence, etc.), and articles attempt to illuminate rather than argue along strict oppositional lines. Though edited, the articles require careful, mature reading. Each one begins with a biographical sketch about the author and a clear position statement. Interesting angles include articles on women inmates and poignant personal narratives by writers who befriended inmates on death row and who witnessed their executions. Interestingly, though there is no pro/con format, the preponderance of the articles clearly oppose the death penalty. With a thorough index and bibliography, as well as a list of organizations to contact, this companion volume is a worthwhile addition to high school collections.-Mary R. Hofmann, Rivera Middle School, Merced, CA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.